Federal Councillor Beat Jans met with EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Zurich for a working meeting focused on migration policy and internal security. Jans emphasized the importance of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which the Federal Council had approved earlier that same day for submission to Parliament.
The two officials also discussed the European Commission’s proposal for a new return regulation, with the Federal Councillor Jans stressing that such measures must always respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Their discussions extended to the security situation in Syria, the protection of Ukrainian refugees, and the need for close coordination with the EU to prevent secondary migration within the Schengen area.
They also addressed the functioning of the Schengen zone, which welcomed Romania and Bulgaria as new members on 1 January 2025. Jans voiced concern over the recent increase in internal border controls within Schengen, stressing that smooth cross-border movement is vital for both the economy and citizens’ freedom of travel. He called for such measures to remain within the regulatory framework and be coordinated among states.
Commissioner Brunner underlined the importance of effective external border protection and strong cooperation among Schengen members, praising Switzerland’s significant role as an associated Schengen state and its constructive contributions to European migration policy.